The festive atmosphere of the place was intoxicating. It was a large restaurant deal that had on stage entertainment. Salem was at a floor seat drinking while Frosch snored underneath the table. His exceed was so tired he was deaf the the chaos around him. The place was breathing life. If it was not for the fact that Salem could self heal with ease, he would have been under the table as well. He had already put down seven people that challenged him to a drinking game. If it was not for the fact that another show would start in a bit, they would have kept trying to go over him.

Salem waved to the server. His current companion was asleep. He asked the server if someone needed a seat. They can invite whoever over. It was a random thing that he felt like doing. Whoever he met would be a mater of fate.They would have a rain of free food and drink that they could want. Salem had prepaid enough jewels to fund this place for a few days. They could easily sell him all the wine and such in this place, but any dance or such he wanted. He could have even gotten a private booth. It would have just been boring with only two people. Salem wanted to hang out and have fun with the masses.

“Whoever you bring. Let them have free reign to order what they like.” Salem added the note to the hostess. He was gonna wait now to see how the situation played out.

[262]

Back-to-back days full of exciting festivities left Zeta feeling exhausted even after sleeping for several hours last night. She planned to take it easy today but still wanted to further indulge in the joyan activities while they lasted. After getting the approval to do so from Aster she no longer had worries about reporting back late or within a set time. Her long-awaited vacation resumes!

Letting off a big yawn, Zeta rubbed her eyes before looking around. She had dozed off inside of her room's large bath. It was like a private hot spring she could enjoy to her heart's content. Seeing how she planned to spend several days here she used her money to book out a room for a week.

‘Money well spent’ she thought to herself before standing up and stepping out of the onset, letting the steamy hot water droplets run streaks down her body. Zeta grabbed a set of towels she had laid out and wrapped one around her body and the other around her hair.

She then went to the main room, where a chilling breeze blew in from the open patio door. The once sunset-looking room was now a cool velvet color, the gentle white bed that resembled clouds was now illuminated by the grace of the moon's light piercing into the room. Zeta's eyes were drawn to the large perverse moon peeking into her room, gazing through the cracks in the blinds and doorway making its presence known.

“Nightfall already, guess I was out longer than I thought.” She thought as she dressed under the moon's light, adorning a royal blue dress that reached down below her knees. The blue dress was coated in multi elemental mana particles to give it a sparkly effect whenever under any form of light. Next came her platform boots that gave a slight boost in height of 2 inches. Once Zeta was done dressing herself up she checked herself out in the mirror.

“I am looking mighty fine I must say so myself” With a big smile Zeta remarked as she took on poses to look at different angles of herself in the mirror.”Moonlight is fading, time to get going”

Feeling as if she was set for the night she made way to the large extravagant restaurant she saw one her way back to the inn last night. There seemed to be a lengthy line waiting to enter the restaurant, wasting no time Zeta casted a spell turning herself invisible and heading to the front entrance. A lady wearing a tuxedo holding a clipboard hugged against her forearm and bosom stood at the front of the line.

“Listen up everybody, whoever has a reservation please step to the right, as those who have no reservations please stay in this line and wait till seats become available! I repeat! All people with reservations to my right!” Her beautiful mature look was matched with a striking stern voice that caused movement within the densely populated line. Some people in line groaned as they grew irritated from the long wait while others moseyed their way over to the right of the woman to verify their reservations.

Being Invisible Zeta peaked from behind a group of 3 and noticed Salem’s name on the list. Not only was she surprised to see his name but an idea popped up in her mind. She walked behind several groups of people that were on the line for reservations and dispelled her magic unveiling her and the royal blue dress. Catching some eyes Zeta smiled at them before putting her finger to her mouth in a shushing gesture.

After 10 mins or so passed Zeta found herself face to face with the lady in the tuxedo.
“Hello doll, I'm here to complete my reservation plans with Salem, he should be inside waiting for me right about now” She confidently said with a smile.

The lady looked Zeta over and then checked her clipboard.Tracing her fingers down and then paused.

”hmmmm” she placed her hand free hand over her left ear creating a magic circle between her palm and ear.

“Confirm the reservation status of Salem for me…”
“One sec…He is here and said to send anybody in for him, so whoever requested for him I guess they may be cleared…What do you think boss?”
“Sure, makes no big deal for us, he paid plenty and left an empty slot for whoever to join. First come first serve”
“Gotcha, will send her in then” She looks at Zeta and nods her head signaling for her to go in.

Zeta nodded her head ”Thank you” As Zeta made her way into the restaurant a server greeted her just beyond the entrance and guided her to Salem’s table. ”Please follow me, and be sure to stick close”


Zeta nodded and made sure to stick close to the server while also taking in the vast scenery of what was inside the restaurant. A huge stage for performers, a balcony to separate the different levels of seating, An overall dim light took over the venue but different colored spotlights lit up several different areas. This place was nothing short of lively and amazing. It was like entering a VIP establishment, something Zeta was sorta familiar with during her time spent traveling with Aster when younger.

It took a few minutes before reaching the medium sized table but there sat Salem, the familiar scent of him and Frosch could be smelt but she only saw the blue haired gentleman.

“Hopefully I didn't keep you waiting too long” Zeta said in a high spirited tone as she walked by Salem and sat down in the chair in front of him with a bright smile. Her dress dazzlingly shined the colors of the elements in the spotlight that was loosely shining down at the table where they sat.

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Salem waited for a new person to keep him company. No one showed up and it was pretty boring. The performers were finally ready to get on with the next show. Salem believed he was going to get used to it. He wanted to enjoy the show. Just having fun with others was better for him. This was one time Salem was missing his boyfriend and mate Alaric. The handsome werewolf would have put the fun in funeral here. A bit of dead bodies and other stuff to liven up the place. Not that Salem would let the place stay destroyed for long. He even got better at cleaning up evidence because of his lover. He thought with a smile on his face as he recalled the last incident.

The lights dimmed as a small applause broke out. The beat of the drum sounded as fog enveloped the stage. Salem was familiar with his magic to tell it was magical in nature. He could not find the lacrima but knew it must have been a water mixed type in some form. His mind got off of that as he started to watch the show that was playing. The show in question looked like it was an ancient one. Salem could see that it was a reflection of Joyan history. It started with a romance that went into a full on war. At first Salem was mesmerized. Then he realized that it was familiar. He had actually participated in this war. It made the fae laugh at the irony. He had seen far worse, yet they started and ended the play on a light note. Humans and their ability to try to make their lives easier was amazing. Then again with the drive from fun and games and the need for it in most species. Salem would actually not exist. The fae would not have been created for the function if he was created at all.

The play as a whole was just standard. The people dance, sung, and acted to the best of their abilities. Salem was sure he could give a better performance but did not feel like showing off. At least with the little amount of alcohol he actually had in his system. A few more drinks and a good time could have turned him into a song bird. Still he was healing himself a bit at a time. Salem would only allow himself to become a wreck in a comfortable place. The spiritual issues in Joya made him a bit restless at times.

The show ended and a loud round of applause went up. Salem believed he was gonna call it a night in another twenty minutes. He was starting to get a bit bored and wanted to go. It was then that the server showed up being tailed by a familiar face.

“Zeta? I was not expecting you to be the one the place brought over. I have not seen you in a fair amount of time. You kept me waiting so long I thought you were abandoning me.” Salem was loud with his exclamation. He was pleasantly surprised and she looked nice in her outfit. She was a pretty lady but the dress she was wearing suited her temperament. It made her seem like a wildfire of beauty that was containing itself in a small space, pretty and deadly. An ethereal look that did not fit the common standards of the Joyan people. Making her stand out a bit. All it did was enhance her points even more in the eyes of the men and women into her. The eyes that would stop when Zeta would reach his table.

Salem maintained a smile on his face, as Frosch snored at the table. He waved at the help to get their attention. “Remember. This easy on the eyes woman is able to order whatever she would like for the night. All on me.” Salem spoke like the big shot he was. He did not actually care how much if any money Zeta would spend. He had more than the place could use for the night. The increase in jobs kept him busy but he was making bank and more money than he could spend at times. He was simply busy earning and spending all the jewels he could get. “You should sit down, another show is going to start playing soon. Enjoy it with me and taste some goodies.”


[262][/1005]

The warm reception Salem gave Zeta made her night. A reunion with a new friend who was excited to see her was something Zeta never thought she would experience but here it was, a dream-like sequence unfolding before her. A bright wide smile appearing was inevitable. Quickly sitting and adjusting her seat, Zeta spoke to Salem.

“Hmmm, Are you trying to fatten me up with such sweetness, Salem. I got a sweet tooth after so I may have to indulge just a bit” Zeta teasingly retorted as she was happy to see the sweet gentleman again.

Zeta thought hard about what she was craving to eat. The restaurant had a rather large menu that left her drooling. Of course she would hide such an appearance from Salem by raising up the menu to hide her face. A sizzling sound from the table across from them broke the silence, along with it came an aroma that sent Zeta senses into heaven. Shifting gaze from the menu in front of her over to the table next to them. The sight and scent of concentrated lemon juice blended with cracked pepper over fish grilled in pure olive oil, garlic bread toasted to the color of golden bars, all laid across a large bed of sea salted ice bergian leaves.

The deep yearning desire to partake in seafood won over all other thoughts in her mind. Salmon was one of her favorite dishes after all, Aster always provided nothing but highest quality meals in order for her to have a well balanced diet and stay in tip top shape. Zeta scoured the menu in search of its seafood section with her eyes moving at lightning speed.

“Hehehe how about we indulge in a buffet of the sea! Starting with some Salmon and shrimp cocktails!” Zeta eyes were sparkling as if the sun had exploded thrice over them. She eagerly asked Salem while bouncing slightly in her seat.

Her gloomy and uptight demeanor she  usually has with Aster and the fairies back at the mansion in Iceberg was long gone. Zeta found herself rather comfortable with the gentleman name Salem but she knew she could not get attached as she accepted her identity as a weapon, the Hunter’s blade. Leaving her smile forever tainted…

Zeta sniffed the air subtly then looked under the table to see a napping frosch. She felt giddy seeing the adorable exceed snoozing. “How cute…were you here for a while, Salem?” Zeta's eyes dropped the dining table sheets and resumed looking at Salem.

“By the way, I want to thank you again for tagging along with me before. You seem to be something of a big shot so I'm not sure how I can return the kindness you have shown me” A sincere gentle smile falls onto Zeta's face as she thanked the man. The light showing over them slowly changed between colors switching between an array of cool colors to create a new atmosphere. A melancholy tune softly caressed the ears of the people within the venue, hums from a singer rattled the bones of those who heard her lucid voice. The duet infused their magic with their innate talent to evolve their performance into something spectacular, a performances that stimulated all of the senses of the crowd.

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“Yes. Fulfill your sweet tooth needs.” Salem said lightly and jokingly. He did not care that Zeta was ordering more fulfilling and savory items, compared to an actual desert. That was why Salem ordered a bit more sweets in terms of fruit cakes that he liked. They had an orange based dessert that would pair well with the fish that she ordered. He made sure to get it for her. Salem went with a blueberry cookie for himself. He liked it more because they used blueberries the color of the sea. Making sure to add it in after the food Zeta got for them.

When he got it. He was able to respond to Zeta. “Sure. I do love some decent seafood.” Salem said with a return fire smile. Acting as smoothly as butter melting in a pan. He did not mind her company. While Salem was off duty he did not need to act like he was in danger all the time, nor was he the type to pry into the business of others, unless it looked like it would be fun. Still he was able to hold his own weight in the conversation. “I have not been here for too long. I’ve been able to see a couple of shows. I have switched out guests a couple of times so I have lost track. So I could have been here longer than I thought I was.”

Salem added after a thought. He heard the thanks that Zeta gave off and did not put it in mind. “You do not have to think about it or thank me. Most of this is a work expense for me. That and I take up heavy duties that take up a lot of time. When that happens I get decently large payouts.” Salem gave a very brief overview of his work, maybe for the second time as he could not remember.

This time a very alright performance went on. The singers were pretty good. The infusion that they used in their voices was nice. Salem had never listened to a real magical performance of this caliber before. It was nice for him to hear and was actually pretty relaxing.The food had arrived while they listened. Salem made sure to eat some food that was served to him. He enjoyed the succulent shrimp. Leaving the fish to Zeta, along with the shrimp that was served to her as well. When this specific performance ended. Salem had his attention gathered to the next event.

The hostess in charge decided to use people from the audience. Salem cleaned up and decided to participate. He was grabbed on stage and given a choice. The choice was to show off his moves or sing a song. Seeing as how he did not wish to sing. The hostess decided that he could dance. She then announced that some people would go up afterwards and dance as well.

“This is gonna be fun~” Salem whispered to himself. When the music started to play it started with Salem making some off movements. He was used to doing Desiertian styles of dances, more recently even Fiorian. The thing was the fact that he was not used to the music and style here at first. It took him half the song to adjust to it. His style goes from a wild wind to a gentle breeze. He was bringing his own sense of flair to his steps. Steps and all. He was decent as far as dancing went, just not as great with it by Joyan standards.

Getting back to his table the host took up some more dancers. Each doing alright in their own right. The hostess even came back and asked Zeta if she wished to perform as well. Salem applauded and tried to encourage her to get up and perform as well.

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Some time had passed after Salem placed their order with the server. The performance going on was really pleasant and left her swaying to the melody. Such styles of music were often played by Aster back at the manor so it was a familiar sound. One of the better memories she had there and one she cherished. The magical essence that invaded her senses only added to her memories and sound making it even more sweeter. Zeta closed her eyes to absorb it all until the striking smell of sweets and fish entered her radius of smell.

The food had finally arrived, a burly handsome dwarf had approached the table holding up a tray almost longer than him full of colorful sweets with a large platter of fish in the center. The server joined immediately after and lifted up a fish platter from the tray.

“Here are your orders: First up we have the finest, freshest catch of salmon straight from the waters of Caelum” the server smiled warmly at Zeta and gave her an endearing wink. Zeta greeted her with a smile of her own. It was not surprising to see the same face that guided her to the table also being the same person to serve them, in fact it made Zeta happy to see a familiar face. The dwarf was very quiet and stoic, almost like a statue.

The fish oval platter was laid down in front of Zeta, the aroma of the smoked salmon drizzled in black peppered honey was a delight to the Dragon slayer's nose.

“mmmm…Thank you so much love, it looks as fantastic as it smells! I appreciate your fine service too” Zeta praised the woman in a light flirty manner.

“Thank you, Next up are a batch of soft baked ocean blueberry cookies specially prepared to your liking, Mr. Salem” She placed the round platter of cookies in front of Salem. They were laid out in a circle all stacked onto each other like a pile of fallen dominoes. She then picked up the other two plates from the tray that contained fruit cake and orange sorbet. She placed the sorbet next to Zeta plate then the fruit cake in front of Salem’s plate full of cookies.

“Don’t forget the shrimp cocktails, Venus” The dwarf raised a second tray holding two cocktails on them.

“Oh hehe, thanks Frankie” Venus squats down and takes the two cocktails from the tray and places them on the table.

“Now that should be everything, if you need anything else please let me know. We hope you enjoy the food!” The server bowed politely before heading off with the dwarf.

Zeta picked up her fork and began to eat her food in a well mannered way despite her mouth being a pool of drool from the feast in front of her. She listened to Salem speak while keeping eye contact with him while eating pieces of the salmon.

“Nonsense, of course I have to thank you. But with how much you're racking in it makes me think I am in the wrong profession!” The bright eyed woman humorously retorted. “Being a tool for hire has its perks but more jewels wouldn't hurt the pouch” she murmured before stabbing the last piece of salmon on her platter with a fork, swabbing it around in the pool of honey.

The performance had come as a sudden burst of applause erupted around them. The hostess came on stage to introduce the next form of entertainment, calling upon people in the audience onto the stage. Salem had volunteered himself to go up on stage to Zeta's surprise. Snacking on one of the shrimps from the cocktail, she kept her eyes peeled on the stage to see what sort of entertaining performance they would put on.

Perplexed by the movements Salem was doing on stage she questioned herself if it was some dance relative to where he came from. Despite her vast knowledge and training of combat and locations, she had very little understanding of things such as dancing cultures until coming to Joya. By the time Zeta had finished eating all the shrimp in the cocktail Salem had finished his dance and returned to the table with the hostess. She had offered to come up and dance as well but she politely declined as it was not something she wanted to do especially while full of food.

Zeta applauded Salem for his dance but commented to the hostess “Stuff like dancing and singing, I don't think is cut out for me.. I enjoy spectating such an exhilarating performance mores, but thank you for the offer”

Zeta sat back in her chair caressing her belly. “Plus I can barely move a muscle with this full belly” She laughed while enjoying the atmosphere and music still playing from the stage. then a question dawned on her.

“Can you tell me more about that dance you performed, Salem?. It does not seem to be anything like what I have witnessed in Joya or Fiore”

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